A Mother’s Journey: Raising Sons with Albinism
Patricia Williams, like many parents, loved sharing photos of her newborn son, Redd. However, she was met with an unexpected surprise when she began sharing his pictures.
A Surprising Diagnosis: Oculocutaneous Albinism Type One (OCA1)
In 2012, Patricia’s son, Redd, was born with white hair. At two months old, Patricia and her husband, Dale, noticed peculiarities, like Redd’s eyes moving side to side. Dale turned to Google and discovered several markers of albinism, including pale skin, white hair, and tracking eyes. Optometrists and genetic specialists confirmed that Redd had Oculocutaneous Albinism Type One (OCA1), a condition affecting approximately 1 in 17,000 individuals worldwide.
The Challenges of Albinism: Bullying and Memes
Redd’s unique appearance attracted attention from birth. Initially, Patricia thought little of it, as her family had blonde hair. However, as Redd’s hair became whiter and his eyes bluer, it became clear that his condition was lifelong. In February 2018, Patricia gave birth to Rockwell, who also had albinism.
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Redd faced bullying at school due to his appearance, and his older brother, Gage, became protective. The most shocking incident was when Redd’s newborn pictures were stolen and turned into cruel memes on social media.
Becoming Advocates for Albinism Awareness
Patricia and Dale tried to have the images removed but soon realized the futility. They decided to advocate for albinism awareness to combat bullying and misconceptions. The viral memes led Patricia to become a voice for albinism awareness, as many reached out to her, curious about her son’s appearance, highlighting the lack of knowledge about albinism beyond limited movie representation.
A Journey of Growth and Acceptance
Redd underwent eye surgery to correct his strabismus and transitioned from a private school for blind children to a public one. The surgery was a positive decision, greatly improving his condition. As Redd and Rockwell grew older, their friends became less focused on their “differences.” They understood that Redd needed a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor activities, but otherwise, he could do everything any other child could.
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A Bright Future Ahead
On April 28, 2023, Patricia shared a heartwarming clip of Rockwell participating in his school’s “Western Day” event, receiving an outpouring of love on social media. Patricia also addressed a common misconception, explaining that people with albinism typically have light blue eyes due to a lack of pigment, not red eyes.
Thriving and Embracing Life
Today, Redd and Rockwell are thriving and living life to the fullest. Their journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and their family couldn’t be happier with their progress. Please share their inspiring story to spread awareness and celebrate the beauty of diversity!
